As for me and my house: Gage Alexander Pool

Gage Alexander: May 5, 2013

8 lbs, 20 inches long

Born at 9:41 PM

Gage: Measurer, Alexander: Defender of the people
We have joked and said, "So, he's going to measure and defend people. "Yes...You are 5 foot, 3 inches, I will defend you. You, Sir, are 6 foot, 6 inches.....you may have to defend me!" When we found out I was pregnant we started playing the "silly naming game"with the kids. On a road trip one day, we were picking out signs along the road and saying, "What about Dry Creek Pool? How about Miracle Whip Pool?" and so on.... There was something on the back of the truck in front of us that said something about "gauge". Ryan said what about "Twelve- Gauge Pool"? "Gage?" I asked. "I actually like that!" And that is what we called this baby-- even before we found out we were having a boy. The kids began calling the baby, "Gage" instead of "the baby" almost from the beginning. And since we were praying about it every night and nothing else ever crossed our minds. Gage it is! But I do believe God has reminded us through this baby, through this election year, through this season of our life that HE IS THE MEASURER. HE is the measurer of men's hearts. HE is the measurer of times and seasons. HE is the measurer of nations. HE is the measurer of all things and we can trust HIM to measure out precisely and accurately. And of course HE is also the great defender of His people. So, all to the glory of God-- our measurer and defender!

This is the first baby we have not had a camera in the delivery room with. I have finally decided with #6 that second day pictures are SO MUCH BETTER than delivery pictures!!!

We waited to announce the name of the baby until all the kids were there. Of course, they already knew his name but it was fun to wait to let everyone else know until they were there to announce it with us. The birth certificate lady was about to have a fit telling us, "You know your baby can't leave the hospital without a name." Hmmmmm.....anyway........One funny thing that happened, Ryan told Benjamin to announce to his grandparents what the baby's name was. He looked unsure for a moment then whispered in my ear, "Is is Bobby?" "What?" I asked, extremely confused.
"Bobby?" He repeated. "No, It's Gage Alexander.....Like we talked about. Why would you think it's Bobby?" A huge smile of relief crossed his face. "Oh good! Of all the names in the world, I really hate the name Bobby." Then he showed me on Gage's little bed carrier where the nurse had sloppily printed "Baby Boy Pool" only it looked like "Boby Boy Pool." Poor kid, thought we had gone ahead and renamed his brother the one name in the world he can't stand!